Scots dad delighted his family can stay united - The Redditch Standard

Scots dad delighted his family can stay united

Redditch Editorial 25th Sep, 2014 Updated: 18th Oct, 2016   0

A PROUD Scot living in Redditch is delighted his birth country voted to stay united with the country he now calls home.

John Kane regularly travels back to Scotland with his English wife Joanna, who was brought up in the Midlands, to their cottage in Moffat near the border.

The pair are on the electoral register there which entitled them to vote in the referendum against Scotland having independence. The vote took place last Thursday (September 18) and saw two million voters agree with the Kanes while just over 1.6m voted for independence.

The Church Hill North resident, who has lived in the borough for 19 years, said: “We voted no because we have a lot of connections with Scotland and also live in Redditch so we didn’t want to be living in a foreign country.




“Scotland does have a very strong identity with very proud traditions but that doesn’t mean to say we have to be a foreign country to have them.”

He added although 12-year-old son Liam was too young to vote, he agreed with his parents about keeping Scotland in the UK.


“He has got a Scottish dad and an English mom. He wants a united family in a United Kingdom.”

Rebecca Blake, Labour Parliamentary spokeswoman for Redditch, said she was ‘thankful and proud’ voters had chosen to remain in the union.

“Now we have their decision, I am excited about the opportunities that exist for the main political parties brought about by the referendum to improve our democracy.

“We must make politics more fair and relevant to people’s lives again. Like in Scotland, taking issues that matter to local people in their streets and on their front doorsteps.”

Redditch MP Karen Lumley added she was pleased the vote had started a nationwide conversation about how to create a balanced and fairer United Kingdom.

“Speaking to my constituents it is clear they like me want to see a fair deal for England in the union, both financially and politically.

“We must look at having English votes for English laws. Parliament has long voted on bills which apply to England only and it’s time we reviewed the role of MPs who don’t have a personal stake in what they are voting on.”

Printing

We can provide all of your printing needs at competitive rates.

Announcements

Weddings, Birthdays, Bereavements, Thank you notices, Marriages and more.

Reader Travel

Check out all of the latest reader travel offers to get your hands on some free gifts.

Advertising

Advertise with the Redditch Standard to reach your audience